These gingerbread cookies are soft in the center, crisp on the edges, and packed with warm spices. They roll out easily, hold their shape, and bake into beautifully scented cookies that taste like the holidays. If you love cozy baking season, this recipe belongs right next to your whipped shortbread cookies and classic sugar cookies.
Why You’ll Love It
- Perfect texture: Soft yet sturdy for decorating.
- Classic flavor: Molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Make-ahead friendly: Dough chills well and freezes beautifully.
- Holiday favorite: Ideal for cookie swaps and gifting.
Classic Gingerbread Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These gingerbread cookies are soft in the center, crisp on the edges, and packed with warm spices. They roll out easily, hold their shape, and bake into beautifully scented cookies that taste like the holidays.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp ground ginger
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp fine salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Mix in the egg, molasses, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix just until combined.
- Divide the dough in half, flatten into disks, wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness, cut into shapes, and place 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until edges are set but centers remain soft.
- Cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
For softer cookies, bake closer to 8 minutes. Add a pinch of black pepper for extra warmth. Decorate with icing inspired by red velvet crinkle cookies for a festive look.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: gingerbread, cookies, holiday, molasses, spiced cookies
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp ground ginger
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp fine salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Mix in the egg, molasses, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix just until combined.
- Divide the dough in half, flatten into disks, wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness, cut into shapes, and place 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until edges are set but centers remain soft.
- Cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Tips & Variations
- For softer cookies, bake closer to 8 minutes.
- Add a pinch of black pepper for extra warmth.
- Decorate with icing inspired by red velvet crinkle cookies for a festive look.
Substitutions
- Swap butter with dairy-free butter for a dairy-free version.
- Use dark molasses for a deeper flavor.
- Replace cloves with nutmeg if needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve gingerbread cookies with hot cocoa, spiced tea, or alongside French salted butter cookies on a holiday cookie tray.
Storage & Reheating
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Dough disks can be frozen for up to 3 months and thawed overnight in the refrigerator.
FAQs
Do gingerbread cookies spread?
Minimal spreading occurs if the dough is well chilled.
Can I decorate them?
Yes, they are perfect for royal icing or simple powdered sugar glaze.
More to Try
- Gingerbread Brownies
- Maple Cookies with Brown Sugar
- Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies
- Whipped Shortbread Cookies
Conclusion
These classic gingerbread cookies bring together warm spices, rich molasses, and a tender bite that feels nostalgic and comforting. Whether you bake them plain or decorated, they are a timeless holiday favorite worth making every year.